The Florida Orchestra

Byron Stripling
Trumpet & Vocalist

A spectacular trumpeter with a very wide range, a beautiful tone, and the ability to blend together many influences into his own style, Byron Stripling is the artistic director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, leader of his own quartet, and constantly in demand to play with symphony orchestras around the world. Stripling is a charismatic performer who brings the audience into his music. The happiness that exudes through his trumpet, his vocals and his words is reminiscent of Louis Armstrong yet very much his own.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, Stripling has become a pops orchestra favorite throughout North America, soloing with the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, the National Symphony and the symphony orchestras of Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto, Utah, and Vancouver, the Minnesota Orchestra and the American Jazz Philharmonic, among many others. As soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Stripling has performed frequently under the baton of Keith Lockhart, as well as been featured soloist on the PBS television special, Evening at Pops. He has also been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at jazz festivals throughout the world. During the 2011/12 season, Stripling performed with the Boston Pops and the symphony orchestras of Detroit, Jacksonville, Quebec, Rochester and St. Louis, among others, in addition to his work with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and tours with his quartet.

An accomplished actor and singer, Stripling was chosen, following a worldwide search, to star in the lead role of the Broadway bound musical, Satchmo. Many will remember his featured cameo performance in the television movie, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, and his critically acclaimed virtuoso trumpet and riotous comedic performance in the 42nd Street production of From Second Avenue to Broadway.

Television viewers have enjoyed his work as soloist on the worldwide telecast of the Grammy Awards. Millions have heard his trumpet and voice on television commercials, TV theme songs including 20/20, CNN, and soundtracks of favorite movies.

Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster. He has also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and Buck Clayton in addition to the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the GRP All Star Big Band.

Stripling enjoys conducting seminars and master classes at colleges, universities, conservatories, and high schools. His informative talks, combined with his incomparable wit and charm, make him a favorite guest speaker to groups of all ages. Stripling was educated at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan.

A resident of Ohio, Stripling lives in the country with his wife, former dancer, writer and poet, Alexis and their beautiful daughters.

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